Hezbollah support remains strong in parts of south Lebanon as Israeli air strikes continue despite an April ceasefire, leaving civilians displaced and towns heavily damaged.
An Israeli strike last Saturday destroyed a building sheltering a displaced family in Saksakiyeh, killing nine people, according to relatives.
The Israeli military said it targeted Hezbollah members operating from a building used for military purposes and said it was reviewing reports of civilian harm.
Southern Lebanon, the heartland of Lebanon’s Shia community, has faced repeated Israeli bombardment while Hezbollah has continued rocket and drone attacks on northern Israel and Israeli troops inside Lebanon.
Residents in villages, including Arab Salim, said they remained fearful but still saw Hezbollah as the only force able to defend them.
Hussein Haydar said the community backed Hezbollah because “they’re defending us” after an Israeli strike damaged his grocery.
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Lebanon’s Health Ministry says the war has killed at least 2,800 people, including more than 400 after the truce took effect. Israeli authorities say the fighting has killed 18 soldiers and four civilians.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has vowed to disarm Hezbollah, but the group’s leader, Naim Qassem, rejects surrendering its weapons while Israeli forces remain in southern Lebanon.
